The other side of corruption in Indonesia | Elizabeth Pisani | TEDxUbud

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. With over 17,000 islands, 700 languages, and 249 million people, Indonesia is truly an improbable nation. In this talk, Elizabeth explores what holds this country together and the unique role of corruption and patronage.
Elizabeth Pisani eats dog for dinner. She also argues with local politicians about corruption and idleness. The result of a "just say yes" rule she adopted for 2012, when she travelled 23,000 kilometers by boat, bus and motorbike through Indonesia. It's a country that has fascinated and maddened her since she first lived there over two decades ago. Her book Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation, is a clear-eyed, though not unsympathetic, portrait of a complex and contradictory land.
In her day job Elizabeth studies risky behavior (when not engaging in it herself). She has a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology and other degrees in Classical Chinese and Medical Demography. In a previous life, she was a political correspondent for Reuters and The Economist, covering stock markets, revolutions, and the messy end to the occupation of Tiananmen Square.
She has lived in a dozen countries and can flirt at a bar in several languages, including Indonesian.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@faisalisfan]

Still under colonial thinking influence, driven by clan-based benefits way of behave. This is way beyond anyone reach, even the government, for now. And Indonesian is not homogenous as Korean or Japanese, so its really hard to change as fast as our east asian brothers do. Education is the key

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

My dude, what she is saying is that under suharto, the indonesians were sort of doing what the japanese did with the zaibatsu

[@arieelloo]

before the colonial brother, since empire.

[@erikalfiandy4375]

Family connection is everywhere...every country in the world.

[@lukasmolcic5143]

It's not "Social capital actually" its the primordial basis of corruption and nepotism, It's behaving in a way that implies those who I am acquainted with are worth more and deserve more then the people who I am not associated with, I find it really sickening that this kind of stuff is actually respected in most societies up to this date.

[@someoneelse583]

It makes my stomach gurgles.

[@rbh513]

Probabaly those who practicing corruption have extrachromosome called KKN DNA.

[@papalagiiseng]

Best 17 minutes of learning the hard truth of Indonesia history

[@yususetyo3202]

The speaker's understanding about Indonesia & indonesian family's concept were not completely correct. Sadly she just didnt want to call KKN as KKN, trying to camouflage it as something else. The Dutch might not rule Indonesia the whole 350 years, entering in the beginning as trader, but the last 100 - 150 years of their existence in bumi Indonesia using Forces / Army to run their monopoly in trade, controlling areas and collecting taxes, killing resistances etc were absolutely a Colonialism. There were present other traders at that time, such as Chinese, Arab, Indians & etc but they didnt try to rule like the Dutch. The speaker is an expert in using her "selected" words to camouflage real meanings & facts.

[@vengz2782]

@@yususetyo3202 🤣cry about it, indonesia is still corrupted

[@kejorafall]

Fun fact VOC tuh perusahaan terbesar yg pernah ada sampe skrg di dunia net worth nya 3x google+microsoft+aple digabung, saking gedenya mereka bs perang dgn negara lain, spanyol dsb, mereka jg pada suatu waktu mengendalikan pemerintahan negara mereka sendiri, cmn pd akhirnya mereka hancur sendiri dengan budaya korupsi, nah budaya ini jg yg mereka tularin ke negara kita, sampe kita gk nyadar sama sekali ini adalah korupsi, ditilang korupsi, bayar pajak korupsi, mau masuk sekolah korupsi, kerja korupsi. Makanya gw gk aneh, kehancuran VOC dulu lambat laun bakal diulangi indonesia lg, dgn culture korupsi kita.

[@asmarayoga6674]

Boleh dijelasin lagi maksud bagian ini, "...mereka hancur sendiri dengan budaya korupsi, nah budaya ini jg yg mereka tularin ke negara kita, sampe kita gk nyadar sama sekali ini adalah korupsi, ditilang korupsi, bayar pajak korupsi, mau masuk sekolah korupsi, kerja korupsi." Saya masih belum menangkap maksudnya secara utuh. Makasyi

[@yususetyo3202]

The speaker's understanding about Indonesia & indonesian family's concept were not completely correct. Sadly she just didnt want to call KKN as KKN, trying to camouflage it as something else. The Dutch might not rule Indonesia the whole 350 years, entering in the beginning as trader, but the last 100 - 150 years of their existence in bumi Indonesia using Forces / Army to run their monopoly in trade, controlling areas and collecting taxes, killing resistances etc were absolutely a Colonialism. There were present other traders at that time, such as Chinese, Arab, Indians & etc but they didnt try to rule like the Dutch. The speaker is an expert in using her "selected" words to camouflage real meanings & facts.

[@gilbyadams7360]

Salut nya ga bisa dibayangkan. Belanda sangat pintar berdagang. Gimana negara sebesar Sumatra barat, bisa nguasai wilayah yg besar dan jauh dari Eropa. Manajemen bisnisnya mantap. Hancur karena korupsi

[@satyayana1399]

if indonesia were a PC that perform poorly due to viruses (corruption), no antivirus (various law enforcer) can fix it. there a lot of program (governing bodies) that need to be uninstalled due to mediocre performance but very take toll to the PC memory (the country fund). hence, the best method to fix the thing is to reset everything through OS reinstallation (total reformation)

[@xxxxxx5868]

Hahaha we jailed the only governor willing to speak out against corruption because of "blasphemy"... lmao corruption at it's finest

[@natyaprabowo2141]

Welcome to Indonesia, Jakarta in more particular

[@ryeryeryerye]

@@natyaprabowo2141 oh my, I'd tbh prefer jakarta over aceh, not cause shariah, but the human rights violations

[@agungwidi799]

I lose hope for this country

[@andranarendra6720]

let's just hope the younger generation can do better. Important thing is, the mid and old ones should left a better legacy for them.

[@laserghostx4299]

I am indonesian and i have never felt so offended by something i completely agree with

[@ferry6700]

don't you can make a change, BUY A GUN!!

[@axellfonzie9067]

the funny part about this country is everytime old generation ruling, they basically messed everything up and then the youth speak up to the street and do the oration. but when the old generation eventually replaced by those youths and they become the old one, they messed it up again and then the youths speak up to the street and do the oration again and it happens for generations now, as if they stucked in a time loop.

[@tp1558]

The current government are still dominated by the new order cronies. Hopefully in the future it will get better.

[@naikdaun2715]

Honestly, all she said is true !

[@svonkarmo433]

No Prio Pambudi, I disagree. Indonesia is still a good country. Read my comment above.

[@vengz2782]

@@svonkarmo433 Indonesia is corrupted, what is false about that

[@zakariaarif2647]

As an Indonesian I'm offended... But I can't say anything because it's true 😂 P. S.: I'm just joking about being offended 😂 🤣

[@gilbyadams7360]

Our founding fathers Bung Hatta said Indonesia match with federal government system. Not unitary. Im imagine. If Indonesia ia federation. Indonesia will be very powerful and rich in Asia

[@SukacitaYeremia]

Well done Miss. I'm sold!

[@yususetyo3202]

The speaker's understanding about Indonesia & indonesian family's concept were not completely correct. Sadly she just didnt want to call KKN as KKN, trying to camouflage it as something else. The Dutch might not rule Indonesia the whole 350 years, entering in the beginning as trader, but the last 100 - 150 years of their existence in bumi Indonesia using Forces / Army to run their monopoly in trade, controlling areas and collecting taxes, killing resistances etc were absolutely a Colonialism. There were present other traders at that time, such as Chinese, Arab, Indians & etc but they didnt try to rule like the Dutch. The speaker is an expert in using her "selected" words to camouflage real meanings & facts.

[@muhammadkarim7360]

The Politics, beautiful in concept, Terrible in practice.

[@nortongartino4602]

well said, indeed.

[@MsHantubelau]

I love her and I also loves her writing

[@zulfikary3363]

Thanks

[@mayaprimayanti]

Corruption are everywhere not only in Indonesia, but... Maybe a bit severe here. Anw as Indonesian myself, i hate this country.

[@samsondelilah3803]

corruption is the encrichment of diversity n part of tradition lol is not an taboo but inherent culture n the perpetrators are so proud to do so the society is permissive to corruptors n its considered not a big crime since adultery is being consdered a severe guilty than doing corruption

[@SuperBaresy]

brilliant, im indonesian, and i think thats 100% true.

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

Live in indonesia, not exactly the best at speaking indonesian, my main language is english, but either way observing her rn

[@putraadhiguna2934]

Yes, corruption is rampant in Indonesia. Yes, Indonesia has a long road to overcome. I certainly do not feel any respect on this discussion on our country with a vast diversity, history, challenges, and culture. Where not everyone is corrupted. Irony to see a TED talk seemingly making Indonesia as a laughingstock. Developed nations takes pride on not being corrupt while some have their Corporatocracy destroying their own fabric of democracy... where the rulers are no longer the people. Don't overlook the role of IMF and the west in making high level deals squandering Indonesia's resources.. from its days of inceptions. and No, we do not blame 'everyone else' for our issues. We are working to improve, it may take time, and do treat our nation with respect.

[@bumich23]

I think she just overly simplified the issues. And yes I agree with you, with the last sentence of your statement, we are working in progress. We are a young country, compare to let say USA, even they already independent more than 200 years, and still have Donald Trump as a president.

[@rbh513]

Extrachromosome detected amongst corruptors called K DNA.

[@kzweymar]

She should introduce herself and explain her connection to Indonesia. She is clearly bright, and has a lot more to say...

[@putrapratama-sq8hu]

Honestly... and Sadly... All what she said are all true..

[@svonkarmo433]

Not really true Putra. We are trying to get better. Indonesia is not as bad as the modern countries (USA, Europe, Japan) in managing its money. Read my comment above. Pisani has a critical eyes, but she failed to see the elephant in the room.

[@yususetyo3202]

The speaker's understanding about Indonesia & indonesian family's concept were not completely correct. Sadly she just didnt want to call KKN as KKN, trying to camouflage it as something else. The Dutch might not rule Indonesia the whole 350 years, entering in the beginning as trader, but the last 100 - 150 years of their existence in bumi Indonesia using Forces / Army to run their monopoly in trade, controlling areas and collecting taxes, killing resistances etc were absolutely a Colonialism. There were present other traders at that time, such as Chinese, Arab, Indians & etc but they didnt try to rule like the Dutch. The speaker is an expert in using her "selected" words to camouflage real meanings & facts.

[@randombanana640]

0:24 KKN 1:49 Hebat Kan? 2:23 money in SIM 2:35 i guess that makes me a koruptor

[@utio1530]

Hello, can you talk about cooperation?

[@christopher4443]

Accurate? Very!

[@Its2025]

Its sad. I am trying to set up a business here and there are so many rules and taxes to pay. The amount of paperwork is the same as it would he in a western country. Now I know that all this paperwork offers more opportunities to be corrupt😅

[@military4648]

Yah begitulah Di indonesian memang banyak terjadi korupsi hingga saat ini

[@kalaunakmaju]

Njir ni doi siapa sih? blak blakan ngigau kayak orang mabok, cuma bedanya yg dia omongin bener. Kebenaran yg pahit buat kita semua

[@RowNumbers]

Baca deh bukunya, Indonesia Etc. Elizabeth Pisani bukan orang biasa, she's really the one we need.

[@Nept3rius]

Sadly there are many bureaucrats that have no real job to perform and only collect pay checks and sometimes figure out a new task that “needs” to be done. Resulting in having the need to hire more people that will not conduct any real work.

[@naishy5583]

Me as an Indonesian sadly agree with her the fact that they haven't stopped their corruption now, many Indonesian wants to move to other countries now

[@ryeryeryerye]

for example, me who wants to move, I mean luckily I live in Batam which iirc has some differences from other parts of Indonesia

[@ManfredRichtof]

@@ryeryeryerye how lucky of you, here i am, living in java

[@rbh513]

Even godsend malaikat become corruptors upon stepping on this country.

[@keselekbakiak]

The way she justify her nepotism is like our politician.

[@arisa6061]

Some time we call it 'local wisdom'.

[@imamansori6323]

I feel sad. Thats true

[@elvirinacindy8429]

The explain UUD it kena. UJUNg UJUNG Duit it mean on the end money wkakaa

[@elvirinacindy8429]

The fundetion id uuD it mean tol the end ITS a money

[@lulum8034]

Did she say the dutch never colonize indonesia??

[@Its2025]

She did. As a Dutchmen I was surprised too😅

[@kelanarasha7186]

Neo- Feodalism culture is the one factor which trigger endemic corruption in Indonesia.

[@abridgegoesbothways]

Why don't we just unite small districts into bigger ones to just the right size, based on ethnicity/culture/norms, so its easier to organize, influece and keep track of its leaders and actions?

[@EpsilonNPC]

That's blatant identity politics and you know it. Next thing you know the local regent will be campaigning "Halmaheru for the Halmaheru Tribe!", which is already exceptionalism and just one step away from separatism.

[@cryptomology9137]

It will lead to separatism eventually

[@marahbadrian]

It's intentionally arranged that way so that none of those areas can rebel

[@ryeryeryerye]

it will lead to segregation

[@TheGaudentius]

lo lo, gue gue~ mantap anjing~~~

[@nuahperdamentatarigan1927]

what is your opinion - Indonesia under JOKOWI now?

[@gfbtfbtfilyfxbtyewqqef]

NUAH TARIGAN Jokowi is making indonesia great again. Babi Rizieq is shitting it

[@CreamyAvocado-jq8he]

GamerDerp Agree

[@avoo93r89]

NUAH TARIGAN

[@armandakholili4826]

:D

[@raulpi9441]

Jokowi supported Omnibus Law and UU minerba that's make Indonesia corrupt again.

[@nickyyap1663]

Corruption, Life's good. 😂

[@pictureplay5108]

Now fast forward 6 years later.. Under jokowi, corruption & nepotism are getting worse

[@rbh513]

6year later 300T rupiah money laundry under the nose of Finance minister.

[@KatKatsu]

Imo not worse, but exposed

[@cakrapandawa5939]

Traders? Lmao... why those "traders" killed so many Indonesians?

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

My dude they were not doing that for a long time

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

And secondly whenever they did in general, it was actually the southeastasian nations fighting, which to be fair was to get more trade power but still

[@johnmorris8274]

The versed pelican topologically applaud because ocean admittedly promise apropos a unsightly railway. squealing, juicy gear

[@welmansonofisrael1502]

Indonesian is corrupti

[@channelvlogelite]

lolololo it's not dangerous sir 🤓

[@4zm09]

ngelucu bang? ga lucu 🤓

[@factsandbeliefspodcast7468]

Corruption and islamization.